Urchfont Scarecrow Festival

ABOUT THE URCHFONT SCARECROW FESTIVAL

Get ready for the 2024 Urchfont Scarecrow Festival from 4th to 6th of May. It's our silver anniversary, and we're pulling out all the stops to make this the most epic event yet.

Join us for the 25th anniversary Urchfont Scarecrow Festival

Every early May bank holiday weekend, the village of Urchfont in Wiltshire, England, comes alive with quirky characters made of straw. Picture 50+ themed scarecrows lining the trail, each with a mystery to unravel. Thousands flock to this family-friendly extravaganza every year, and you won't want to miss it. Mark your calendars for May 4th to May 6th, 2024, and get ready to join in the fun.

VISITORS' FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We've collated answers to common questions visitors to the festival ask.


Please get in touch if you need more information.

  • What is a scarecrow festival?

    Villages come alive with scarecrow festivals that provide spring, summer and autumn festivities. Local residents showcase their creativity by fashioning scarecrows out of various materials, showcasing them in front of their houses and along the streets. Visitors can explore the scarecrow trail, solve riddles, and appreciate the handcrafted scarecrows made by the community.

  • What does it cost to attend the Urchfont Scarecrow Festival?

    If you wish to participate in the Scarecrow Trail, 2024 programmes cost: 


    • One Adult Entry with Trail Map - £4
    • Two Adult Entries with Trail Maps - £7
    • One Child Entry with Quiz Sheet - £2
    • Two Child Entries with Quiz Sheets - £3

    All proceeds go towards great local causes, but don't worry if you can't afford to buy a trail map, you can wander around Urchfont and enjoy the Scarecrows and festival atmosphere at your leisure.

  • Can I buy a programme in advance?

    Programmes are sold from the Programme Tent by the village pond. We do not sell advance copies.

  • Does public transport operate to and from the village?

    Yes - and we'd love visitors to use it whenever possible. Buses operate from Devizes. Please visit the Faresaver site for up-to-date timetables.

  • Where do I park?

    If you are driving to the festival, please park in one of our dedicated car parks. On entering the village you will see signs and officials who will guide you to a free car park. 


    Once parked, please make your way to the village pond to begin your Scarecrow Festival journey. Click here for map.


    Please do not park in the village as this can cause traffic delays and endanger visitors.


  • How long does it take to park?

    Normally, it doesn't take that long to get through the village to the car parks, however on sunny days-  especially on bank holidays, there can be queues. Our volunteers do their best to keep traffic moving. 


    Please consider coming to the festival on the Saturday or Sunday to avoid congestion, and leave in plenty of time. Car sharing is also a great way to help both the environment and traffic flow.

  • Where are the toilets?

    There are a number of toilets suitable for able and disabled users around the village. Please see the trail map for locations. 

  • Is there food and drink on sale?

    There is  a wide selection of food and drink at the Festival from barbecue to sweet treats. Please see the map for locations. 

  • Cash or card?

    Most tents in the festival take both cash and card. In the unfortunate event that our card machines are not behaving, it might be useful to bring a little cash - just in case.

  • Can I bring my dog?

    YES, YES. YES!

    Absolutely.


    Dogs with well-behaved owners are more than welcome. There are a number of locations where water bowls are available for our furry friends.


    We do ask that dogs are kept on leads and under control at all times and please note, due to hygiene reasons, we do not allow dogs in the tea tent (unless support dogs).

  • What is this year's theme?

    It's top secret. You will have to visit the festival to find out.


    To see previous years' themes, click >here<

  • Do you provide pens/pencils?

    We have a supply of reasonably priced pens and pencils that you can buy should you not bring your own. We recommend you use a pencil when filling in the trail map - and bring an eraser just in case.

  • Where do I post the answers?

    You can hand in your answer sheet to the programme tent at the pond or you can post them into the red post box at the village green. 


    Answers must be submitted by 8 pm on the final day of the festival to be marked and entered into the lucky prize draw. Incomplete sheets will also go into the draw.


    Please make sure you include your contact details on the front so we can let you know if you're a winner.

VILLAGERS' FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We've collated answers to common questions visitors to the festival ask.


Please get in touch if you need more information.

  • Are there any road closures during the festival?

    Access to all residents will be maintained throughout the Festival, however, we would politely request that any journeys during the Festival are minimised.


    There will be a one-way system around the Top Green to help flow of traffic.


    Where possible, we request that villagers park in their driveways.

  • How do i apply to be a scarecrow maker?

    Please visit our Makers page for information. 

  • How do i volunteer to help?

    Please visit our Volunteers page for information. 

  • Can I bake for the tea tent?

    Please visit our Bakers' page for information. 

Urchfont Scarecrow Festival Map Directions

Directions

Follow the signs to the free car parking.

Please do not park within the village.


VISIT GOOGLE MAPS

2024 FESTIVAL OPENING HOURS

The event can get very busy over the lunch period, especially on sunny days. Please arrive in plenty of time. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and allow at least three hours to get around all the scarecrows. The trail covers just over a 2-mile long circuit.


SATURDAY 4 MAY

9:30 – 18:00


SUNDAY 5 MAY

9:30 – 18:00


MONDAY 6 MAY

9:30 – 17:00

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